Auto Club, OTS, CHP And Family Of Distracted Driving Victim Remind Drivers Of Deadly Consequences Of Inattention Behind The Wheel

Drivers Asked To Pledge To Be The Action Against Distraction

LOS ANGELES- To mark the start of April’s National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Automobile Club of Southern California, in partnership with the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), the California Highway Patrol, and the family of a distracted driving crash victim, is urging the public to recognize the deadly consequences of inattention behind the wheel. The goal is to remind all drivers of the potentially fatal risks from distractions like texting, talking on the phone, or using other mobile apps can cause.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives and caused nearly 290,000 injuries in 2022—an average of nine fatalities daily. In California alone, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported 9,733 injuries and 96 deaths in 2023 due to distracted driving. Furthermore, a 2023 California Office of Traffic Safety survey revealed that 74.2% of Californians consider distracted driving, including texting and talking on the phone, to be their biggest traffic safety concern.

“Distracted driving is a serious problem, and it’s claiming lives every day,” said Anlleyn Venegas, Auto Club’s Sr. Public Affairs Specialist. “It’s never safe to text, check emails, or use your phone while on the road. These actions take your focus away from what matters most—safely getting to your destination.”

If you take your eyes off the road for just five seconds while driving at 55 miles per hour, you’ll drive the length of a football field blindfolded. The Auto Club and law enforcement are committed to reinforcing distracted driving laws and promoting safer driving habits.

“Staying focused and alert while driving is one of the easiest ways to prevent crashes,” said OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty. “A single moment of distraction can lead to a lifetime of regret. Each of us has a role in prioritizing safety through the choices we make every day. By choosing to remain attentive behind the wheel, you can help save lives.”

Beverly Shelton lost her grandson Zachary Michael Cruz to a driver who was not paying attention. On February 27, 2009, Zachary’s father said goodbye to his young son at the bus stop, unaware it would be their final farewell. Later that day, the driver of a welding truck, distracted while driving, struck and killed Zachary as he was crossing the street with his classmates.

“There are too many victims and forever broken families. I can’t even begin to describe the pain of losing Zachary in such a senseless way,” said Shelton. He had so much life ahead of him, but a distraction took him from us in an instant. I hope his story will encourage others to drive with full attention, so no other family has to endure this heartbreaking loss.”

According to the latest AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s annual Traffic Safety Culture Index, most drivers (93%) recognize the dangers of texting, emailing and reading while driving. However, many drivers reported sending a text/email (27%) reading a text/email (37%) or holding and talking on a phone (36%) while driving in the past 30 days.

To prevent distracted driving crashes and preventable tragedies, the Auto Club of Southern California is launching its #ActionAgainstDistraction pledge campaign on Instagram on April 1st. This initiative aims to encourage responsible driving and reduce the dangerous effects of distractions on the road by asking the public to make a commitment to driving distraction-free

To stay focused behind the wheel and help prevent tragedies, the Auto Club recommends drivers:

• Use the Driving Focus features on your smartphone to limit distractions.
• Pull over safely if you must call or text someone.
• Speak up if the driver of your vehicle is distracted.
• Put your phone out of sight to reduce temptation.
• Program your GPS before starting your trip, not while driving.
• Ask passengers for help with navigation, calls, or texts.
• Don’t be a distraction—avoid calling or texting others while they’re driving.

Let’s work together to end distracted driving and make our roads safer for everyone.

For more information about the Auto Club’s #ActionAgainstDistraction pledge campaign, read stories of lives impacted by distracted driving, and watch PSA’s and a distracted driving documentary called “Sidetracked,” visit AAA.com/DontDriveDistracted.